Mom's Tribute

My mom. Behind every great man stands a strong woman. Anyone who’s read my Tribute to my dad should have some idea of how strong my mom is. Both of my parents taught me about unconditional love, and loyalty. Both taught me that I deserve those things. Mom taught me how to give it, dad taught me how to fight for it. I can’t imagine one parent without the other, for that I am blessed beyond words. They are a ring, no ending, no beginning and it just isn’t whole without the other half.

I know for a fact that moms are entirely taken for granted. Each chore my mom routinely performed should receive recognition. But they’re so endless, I just can’t list them all. Mom was the finder of all lost things. The house and our clothes were always clean and she was most often home to greet us with something freshly baked when we arrived from the school bus. She would spend the morning cleaning, the afternoon baking and the evening making dinner, helping with homework, and listening to all our stories of the day. I hadn’t realized until recently that it was rare that any of us asked her, “How was your day?” Something always needed done and unexpected tasks were always just around the corner. She somehow carried out this balancing act with love and nurturing. Other kids’ moms were at work, other kid’s had baby sitters. Other moms missed work when their kids were sick, mine worked hardest when we were sick.

Mom is smart, strong, kind, caring overly generous in countless ways, emotionally driven, loyal and dedicated. 

Most of what my mom taught me was by example. She taught me the lessons of moral value. Even though I may choose to only follow half of those lessons. She also taught me that the choice is mine to make.

My first experience with bullies was when I was in first grade. We had an Easter egg hunt at school. (Remember the time before Christianity was illegal in school?) A small boy in my class had found one egg. Other, bigger boys pushed him down and took that egg. When the boy told me, I felt bad for him. So I gave him one of the 3 eggs I’d found. As it turns out, the egg I gave him was 1^st  of 3 prize eggs. He received the $1.00 bill that was inside of his egg and a big basket full of toys. I won 3^rd prize, 10 cents and a small stuffed animal. I was angry and confused. I wished I hadn’t given him any eggs and was being pretty selfish. When I got home and showed my mom the stuffed animal I’d won, I told her the story, she praised me. Mom told me how nice I was to share. She explained what winning something could mean to a smaller kid, who’d been the target for bullies all year. We talked about being nice and being a bully. She was proud of me and gave me a hug. I think that is why I tend to root for the little guy in almost every competition.

I think my biggest accomplishment has been as a wife and mother. It's the hardest job I'll ever have and the most rewarding at the same time. We're paid in hugs and kisses, who could ask for anything more? When I look at my children and think about how great they both are, I think my mom for showing me how to be a good mom. When someone compliments me about my kids, the credit goes to my mom. Thank you mom for all the life lessons you've helped with, been there for and supported me through. I love you mom!

When Tristan was born my mom came to our house every day, for several days to help me take care of Tristan and Katie.

Since I don't have many pictures of either of my parents I had to chose from some oldies. Katie was about 2 in this photo. In just about every picture I have, mom is holding one of the kids.

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